The connection between Caleb Williams and Colston Loveland continues to show promise for the Chicago Bears.
The pair delivered again Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers, even though Chicago came up just short in a 42–38 loss that wasn’t decided until the final play near the goal line.
Loveland drew a season-high 10 targets, finishing with six catches for 94 yards. His night included a 36-yard touchdown reception from Williams in the second quarter.
Loveland was also open on the game’s final snap. As Williams extended the play, film showed the rookie tight end breaking free in the back of the end zone, creating a brief window where the throw was there to be made.
Chicago's future reliant on Williams-Loveland connection
That chemistry matters for Chicago’s future. Williams and Loveland are the Bears’ last two first-round picks, and the offense is built around their ability to grow together. Loveland’s best outing this season came in Week 7 against Cincinnati, when he posted six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. After that, the rookie averaged just 42 receiving yards over the next seven games before rebounding Sunday night.
Through 17 weeks, Loveland has totaled 622 yards on 69 receptions with four touchdowns. Williams finished the loss 25-of-42 for 330 yards and two scores. He now needs 270 passing yards in Week 18 to become the first quarterback in franchise history to reach 4,000 yards in a season.
With one week remaining, the Bears have already clinched the NFC North but are eliminated from contention for the No. 1 seed. Chicago hosts Detroit in Week 18 with positioning still at stake, as the Bears look to secure the No. 2 seed rather than slipping to No. 3.